After 65 days of construction, the 1,500-meter embankment around Hoan Kiem lake, an iconic lake in the capital city of Hanoi, is nearing completion and the lake will get a makeover, VnExpress reported.

On August 20 morning, ten workers used hydraulic press machine to install the last concrete structure for the lake’s embankment. Within 30 minutes, a precast beveled concrete block, 2.5m high and 1.6m wide, was pressed slowly down to the bottom of the lake.

Hoang Duc Thao, general director of Vietnam Science and Technology Company (Busadco), the construction unit, said that more than 100 workers had been mobilized to work continuously for 65 days to complete the embankment of the lake, which is a symbol of the capital city.

"The construction plan must make no major impact on the surroundings, thus we tried our best to avoid altering the ground, water level of the lake and the greenery in the area," said Thao.

Mr. Pham Tuan Long, chairman of the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem district, said that upgrading the revetments around Hoan Kiem lake is the most important item in the project of construction, renovation and embellishment for the area around the lake.

"The lake will retain its signature characteristics after the renovation", Mr. Long said, adding that all works around the lake will be completed by August 31.

On April 21, after 10 years of researching and three rounds of consultation with experts and citizens about the embankment, the project to renovate and embellish the area around Hoan Kiem lake kicked start to prevent erosion.

The concrete revetments used on the embankment are made of new material which can resist corrosive agents. Trinh Hoang Tung, the representative of the Hoan Kiem district construction investment project management board, said the embankment could last from 50 to 70 years.

Moreover, the rough surface of the embankment will support moss ecosystem and enrich food sources for the creatures living in the lake habitat. The sidewalk around the lake will be paved with granite slabs, electric cables will be buried and lighting system and flower tubs will be better set up.

The previous embankment around Hoan Kiem lake was built years ago and started showing signs of degradation from 2017, Mr. Long said, adding that Hoan Kiem district organized an exhibition to introduce the design plan and collect public opinion about it in 2017 and 2018.

The 11.5-hectare lake is named after a legend which has it that a golden turtle emerged from the lake to take back the sword it had given King Le Loi in the 15th century to help him defeat the Chinese Ming invaders.

The followings are some photos of the construction on August 20:

Workers are putting concrete blocs on the lake's bank

The renovation is expected to be complete by August 31

The pavement will be renewed with blocs to ensure consistence

A new look is taking shape